Help waterproofing a 57 y/o OP

[j_a]

As the title says, I want to waterproof my 1964 Oyster Perpetual ref. 1002.

When I first got the watch, just over a month ago, I took it to get pressure tested. It passed the 2 bar test. I took the watch to the same independent watchmaker for a second time more recently, and it didn't pass the 2 bar test this time.
He suggested the two potential causes. One is the crown and screw crown tube. He says that it should take over 1.5 turns to screw down the crown, right now its barely 1. Another potential cause is the caseback. There is light corrosion underneath it, and this could be causing the test to fail.

Should I take the watch to Rolex, and see if they can waterproof it(does Rolex even offer this)?
Or,
should I get this watchmaker to try and waterproof it?

The watchmaker in question has previously worked for Rolex. Additionally he says that he has a period correct crown and screw crown tube, that he could use in the repair. As for the caseback, he says that he would use a thicker caseback to really cork the back of the watch.

One additional thing; it would be nice, but isn't a requirement, to keep the original crown and caseback. I'm sure the watchmaker would give me these, I'm not sure if Rolex would send them back with the watch.

Any help/experience with waterproofing vintage Rolex would be greatly appreciated as well.

[watchlovr]

Personally I’d leave it as is and don’t get it wet.

[j_a]

Originally Posted by watchlovr

Personally I’d leave it as is and don’t get it wet.

This is an option I'm keeping in mind. If my desired outcome is too risky, or impossible, I will just keep it as is.

[offrdmania]

It looks like there is a lot of corrosion on the case. Unless extensive laser welding is performed to fix it, no matter what you do you wont get it to be water proof or to pass the pressure test. I would just leave it as be and enjoy the watch away from the water.

[Dan S]

I wouldn't replace the case-back. Did he mention the possibility that the case-back threads are compromised? I have seen this on DJs. The proper crystal and gasket are also important.

[214270Explorer]

If it is getting worse, you should have the seals replaced to prevent further ingress of water or high vapor.
It is not a big deal to replace the gaskets, and not very costly.
Keep in mind that it may require full service if not addressed in the past ten years or so.

[harry in montreal]

You can also do what I did with my 1601. Just take a shower w it on. I’m a bit of a risk taker. A good watchmaker can pressure test it. You can also look on eBay for a new crown, tube and crystal on eBay. $200 of parts and you should be set

[Nick9]

If it were mine, I’d try fresh gaskets and maybe replace the crown tube and/or crown. Those are both cheap fixes. I’d never replace the case back.

I don’t ever shower or swim or wash dishes with any watch on, vintage or not. Haven’t needed to check the time, so why take the risk? And I’ve never had an issue with moisture.

[Dan S]

I wonder if the OP meant to say that his watchmaker suggested replacing the case-back gasket with a thicker one. It really doesn't seem logical that the watchmaker suggested using a thicker case-back.

[j_a]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I wonder if the OP meant to say that his watchmaker suggested replacing the case-back gasket with a thicker one. It really doesn't seem logical that the watchmaker suggested using a thicker case-back.

I think you have that right, I probably miss interpreted him. If so, is this a viable option for water proofing the watch? My desired outcome is to have some peace of mind. I don't want to swim with the watch, I just want to not have to worry about getting it wet when I wash my hands or its raining out.

[j_a]

Originally Posted by Nick9

If it were mine, I’d try fresh gaskets and maybe replace the crown tube and/or crown. Those are both cheap fixes. I’d never replace the case back.

I don’t ever shower or swim or wash dishes with any watch on, vintage or not. Haven’t needed to check the time, so why take the risk? And I’ve never had an issue with moisture.

It's more for peace of mind. I don't want to worry about my watch. If I know it's at least 3 BAR, I can take the watch off my wrist less. No chance I'm going swimming with it, unless by some miracle it gets 10 BAR rated lmao.

[j_a]

Originally Posted by 214270Explorer

If it is getting worse, you should have the seals replaced to prevent further ingress of water or high vapor.
It is not a big deal to replace the gaskets, and not very costly.
Keep in mind that it may require full service if not addressed in the past ten years or so.

The listing said that it was overhauled in Dec, 2017.

I think I'd like to get this done. Which route should I take, go to the independent watchmaker or go to Rolex?

[j_a]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I wouldn't replace the case-back. Did he mention the possibility that the case-back threads are compromised? I have seen this on DJs. The proper crystal and gasket are also important.

Yes, I think the threads may be compromised.
I'm pretty sure the crystal was replaced in Dec 2017 when the watch was overhauled. As for the gasket I'm less sure.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by j_a

Yes, I think the threads may be compromised.

They can be repaired.

[j_a]

Originally Posted by Dan S

They can be repaired.

Would you suggest taking it to Rolex, or to the independent watchmaker?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by j_a

Would you suggest taking it to Rolex, or to the independent watchmaker?

Rolex will have replacement parts, if that's what you want.

[R.W.T.]

Okay think of it this way...have you ever been swimming in a pool with a high dive board?
The pit is about 15 feet deep.
Have you ever swum to the bottom of that pit?
Did you ears almost burst?
You are NOT going any deeper than that without tanks.
If you are going to use tanks get a dive watch.

This watch will likely NOT leak as deep as you can swim.

Put a new tube in it. If the watchmaker replaces the flat gasket with an o ring with a cross diameter substantial enough to meet the middle case and case back surfaces and closes it as tightly as they can with a hand wrench it will likely not leak at the back even with the corrosion.

If you uncase the movement and put the watch case with all parts installed, ie., back, tube, crown and crystal, in a proper WET testing device...as Rolex intended, you can see EXACTLY where that case is compromised and address it. You will NEVER go lower than a full pull in that style of a tester without tanks...and like I said...if you're going with tanks...a 1002 is NOT your watch.

[R.W.T.]

I don't think he means a thicker case back I think he means a thicker gasket.

Replacing the crown and tube is standard fair. They still make those same parts. The style of the tube is slightly different internally but seriously...it's silly minutia.

Put a crown and tube in it if need be.

I still say a wet tester will tell you EXACTLY where the issue is.

[Verdi]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

I don't think he means a thicker case back I think he means a thicker gasket.

Replacing the crown and tube is standard fair. They still make those same parts. The style of the tube is slightly different internally but seriously...it's silly minutia.

Put a crown and tube in it if need be.

I still say a wet tester will tell you EXACTLY where the issue is.

This.
I also think it refers to a thicker gasket rather than a caseback.

Any competent watchmaker with the right parts can do the job.
Having said that......waterproofing vintage watches has its limits and I would suggest to avoid showering or swimming with it.

[Deaf Stan]

"Waterproof" doesn't just mean "I can swim in it" it means no condensation, steam etc will get in. I'm no expert but I reckon hot water vapour in a shower) will get in places that a quick dip won't.

[77T]

Originally Posted by j_a

Would you suggest taking it to Rolex, or to the independent watchmaker?

Rolex would not try to repair the case - you would be told to replace it. If the caseback threads also have corrosion then they will tell you it needs a new caseback too. Plus, until that tube is extracted, those threads may be corroded.

All the other options mentioned here, like laser welding the case, “repairing” the threads, etc. would mean finding an independent watchmaker. You take the risk that the work doesn’t succeed - and there is no refund for the expensive time taken doing this.




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[Verdi]

Originally Posted by Deaf Stan

"Waterproof" doesn't just mean "I can swim in it" it means no condensation, steam etc will get in. I'm no expert but I reckon hot water vapour in a shower) will get in places that a quick dip won't.

Waterproof in Rolex terms means swimming and showering as long as it passes the pressure test.
I just do not do that with vintage pieces but many here do it.

[j_a]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

I don't think he means a thicker case back I think he means a thicker gasket.

Replacing the crown and tube is standard fair. They still make those same parts. The style of the tube is slightly different internally but seriously...it's silly minutia.

Put a crown and tube in it if need be.

I still say a wet tester will tell you EXACTLY where the issue is.

I will get the wet test done, to address the problem more precisely. I agree with what you said, it's not a diving watch, and I don't intend to use it as such.

I am much more worried about humidity, washing my hands, and general hazards when wearing it.

Thank you for your suggestions.

[j_a]

Originally Posted by 77T

Rolex would not try to repair the case - you would be told to replace it. If the caseback threads also have corrosion then they will tell you it needs a new caseback too. Plus, until that tube is extracted, those threads may be corroded.

All the other options mentioned here, like laser welding the case, “repairing” the threads, etc. would mean finding an independent watchmaker. You take the risk that the work doesn’t succeed - and there is no refund for the expensive time taken doing this.




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These are valid points. I really don't want a new case and/or caseback.

After reading some replies and what others have to say, I realize a much more attainable outcome would be making the watch water resistant. Do you think this could be done by a competent watchmaker with relatively low risk?

[j_a]

Originally Posted by Verdi

This.
I also think it refers to a thicker gasket rather than a caseback.

Any competent watchmaker with the right parts can do the job.
Having said that......waterproofing vintage watches has its limits and I would suggest to avoid showering or swimming with it.

To me this seems like the best option currently. Avoiding condensation in the watch is my main goal. Thank you for the clarification.